Ciro Castillo: Blocked From Reclaiming Callao Governorship Despite Court Ruling

Former Callao Governor Ciro Castillo Attempts to Reclaim Office, Met with Resistance

Ciro Castillo Rojo arrived at the Callao Regional Government headquarters on Monday, February 2, 2026, seeking to resume his duties as governor following the annulment of a 24-month pre-trial detention order against him, as previously announced by his lawyer, Humberto Abanto. However, he was prevented from entering the building.

Castillo Rojo arrived at approximately 9:50 a.m. In a vehicle at the entrance of the Callao Regional Government, located on Bocanegra Avenue. A police contingent was deployed to manage the situation, as a group of the politician’s supporters had gathered.

The vehicle remained parked at the entrance, and Castillo Rojo exited to address the media with a megaphone, stating he would hold a press conference. He did not provide further details regarding why he was denied access to the building.

Humberto Abanto, Castillo Rojo’s lawyer, also arrived on the scene and indicated that they would file a complaint against the interim governor of Callao, Edita Vargas, for allegedly preventing Castillo Rojo’s entry.

Interim Governor Vargas Previously Stated Castillo Rojo Would Not Be Reinstated

Prior to Castillo Rojo’s arrival, Edita Vargas had announced that she would not allow him to resume his functions as governor, stating he would only be permitted entry as a citizen. According to reporting from RPP, Vargas explained that officials from the Callao Regional Council must evaluate the case against Castillo Rojo, which involves allegations of belonging to a criminal organization, to determine whether his return to office is appropriate.

Vargas reportedly warned that Castillo Rojo intended to arrive with a group of supporters to forcibly enter the building. She requested the presence of the Callao Regional Police Chief and the Public Prosecutor’s Office to de-escalate the situation.

However, Humberto Abanto stated that there was no legal impediment preventing his client from resuming his duties, and that Vargas’s interim position would therefore automatically cease. According to Abanto, “What there was was a temporary replacement in charge of the vice-governor, who is from her political organization, and once the situation that prevented it ended, the cessation of the replacement and the assumption by the titular holder of the position is mandatory.”

Pre-Trial Detention and Investigation

On January 11, 2026, the Tenth Preparatory Investigation Court of Callao ordered 24 months of pre-trial detention for Ciro Castillo Rojo and eight others investigated for the alleged crime of criminal organization. The decision came despite a prosecutor’s request for 36 months of detention. The case centers on alleged irregularities in the management of public contracts exceeding an unspecified amount.

Prior to the 24-month pre-trial detention order, on December 24, 2025, the First Criminal Appeals Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice in Callao had confirmed a 15-day preliminary detention order against Castillo Rojo.